Puri, Jul 17: A tragic incident unfolded at Puri beach on Thursday when a youth from Bhadrak drowned while bathing in the sea near Digabareni Khunti, Zone 4.

The victim, identified as Rudra Pratap Sahoo, was a student at Bhadrak ITI and had arrived in Puri on Wednesday night by train along with friends.

According to eyewitnesses, Rudra and his companions were enjoying a morning bath when a powerful wave swept him away. Despite immediate efforts by his friends to locate him, Rudra disappeared beneath the water, prompting a frantic search.

Local lifeguard teams, including two specialized rescue units, were deployed to search for the missing youth. The incident occurred in a zone known for strong currents, raising concerns about safety measures and awareness among tourists.

The beach area near Digabareni Khunti is a popular spot for visitors, but authorities have repeatedly cautioned against venturing too deep into the sea, especially during high tide or turbulent weather conditions. Rudra’s friends, visibly shaken, continued to search along the shoreline while lifeguards combed the waters.

Officials from the local administration and police have reached the site and are coordinating with rescue teams. As of the latest update, the youth remains missing, and search operations are ongoing.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with sea bathing, especially in zones marked for caution. Authorities urge tourists to follow safety guidelines and remain within designated bathing areas.

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